'Bring back the noise': Seattle's Lumen Field to return to full capacity for Seahawks games

The Seattle Seahawks will have their deafening 12th man back in full force for the upcoming NFL season.

Lumen Field announced Tuesday that full-capacity crowds will be allowed to return for the 2021 season after receiving approval from local and state health officials as well as the NFL. The news comes as the state plans to lift all COVID-19 restrictions on June 30 or earlier if 70% of people 16 and up have initiated vaccinations.

After a having no in-person attendance for the 2020 season, both leaders and players expressed excitement at having fans back to cheer them on and "bring back the noise."

"Can't wait to see those 12s," Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said in a news release Tuesday. "I know they're coming, I know somebody is going to be in those stands. Can't wait to get you out there."

Fans will not be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend games, but those who are unvaccinated will be required to wear masks in the stadium.

Additional game day details for ticket holders are expected to be announced later in the summer. An announcement for fan attendance at summer training camp is expected in July.

"You never know what it's like to not have something until you don't have it. And when we didn't have the fans, you could tell it was different," said star wide receiver Tyler Lockett. "I'm really excited just to be able to go out there — I always call it a concert because that's what it feels like ever since I first stepped on that football field. And so when the fans come back, it's time to get it going."

The Seattle Sounders FC have also allowed full capacity crowd to return to games at Lumen Field. The Mariners have also expanded seating capacity at T-Mobile Park as the state prepares for a full reopening.